MELBOURNE William Carvalho Portugal Jersey , Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- German raider Protectionist has won the 5.4 million U.S. dollars Melbourne Cup after a stellar ride by English jockey Ryan Moore.

Caught back in the field early, Moore steered his Hannover- trained mount through the tiring field, opening up a four-length margin in the final 200 meters. English stayer Red Cadeaux finished second for the third time in four years, edging out local Who Shot Thebarman.

The pre-race favorite, Japan's Admire Rakti Vieirinha Portugal Jersey , finished last after settling into second place up the back straight. The Caulfield Cup winner collapsed in the stalls after the race and passed away.

Moore was amazed at how easily five-year-old Protectionist blew away the field in the world's richest 3,200-meter race.

"He's won very easy, that's a very good horse," Moore said.

Protectionist's trainer Andreas Wohler said the win was the " biggest of all."

"We've had great success all over the world but that's the biggest of all," Wohler said.

"(At the start Rui Patricio Portugal Jersey , Moore) couldn't have the position he would like to have but he was so patient. He came around the last bend and he ducked in to have the right gap and he quickened so well," said Wohler. "Ryan is a superstar."

Protectionist found itself back in the field, led out by fellow internationals My Ambivalent and Admire Rakti. The quick pace strung out the 22-horse field which slowed rapidly with 400 meters to the post. In front of 100,000 people at Flemington Racecourse, Red Cadeaux moved to the lead and was challenged by bottom weight Signoff.

But as soon as Protectionist found clear track Ricardo Quaresma Portugal Jersey , it clearly showed it was a class above all comers, becoming the fifth Northern-Hemisphere winner of Australia's greatest horserace.

Wohler chose to navigate his mount's Australian preparation away from the fruitful lead-up races, instead choosing a minor race three weeks ago.

"The chairman couldn't understand why we run in the 200,000 ( Australian dollars) Herbert Power and not the 3 million dollars Caulfield Cup a week later. Now he knows why," joked Wohler.

Moore's win on Protectionist comes 10 days after he rode Adelaide to a win in Australia's weight-for-age championship Ricardo Carvalho Portugal Jersey , the 2.6 million U.S. dollars Cox Plate. He is the first jockey since 1992 to win the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup in the same year with different horses.

He said the win made his trip to Australia all worth it.

"Obviously (winning the Cup), it's very special. You have to share it with the kids